N.C.

A court hearing involving a pair of lawsuits over the maps drawn by Republicans for North Carolina's congressional and legislative districts is over. The panel of three Superior Court judges heard about 10 hours of testimony over two days before going home Tuesday. They didn't immediately issue rulings over whether the maps are lawful or should be struck down. It's unclear when the judges will have their decisions. Full story...

A federal judge has ordered a North Carolina poultry processor to pay a $150,000 fine for sending untreated wastewater containing blood and turkey parts directly to a city treatment plant. Full story...

Lawmakers in the North Carolina Legislature soon will consider a bill that would designate state money to help pay private school tuition for some children. Full story...

North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory says he supports issuing distinctively marked drivers licenses to some illegal immigrants. Full story...

North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory says he asked President Barack Obama and some of his Cabinet questions about issues he's concerned about during a visit to Washington - but didn't always get the full answer he wanted. Full story...

Someone is raiding a Victoria's Secret store in Gaston County and taking hundreds of pairs of panties. Full story...

A North Carolina television station's top political reporter will become Gov. Pat McCrory's next communications director. Full story...

An outside computer expert evaluating North Carolina's new Medicaid billing system says it's on schedule to be running this summer without additional unplanned spending Full story...

Former North Carolina State men's basketball coach Sidney Lowe has apologized to family and friends after being arrested on tax charges and says he's working to resolve the issue. Full story...

A Coast Guard official says the nearest Navy ship to the HMS Bounty during Hurricane Sandy was about 260 nautical miles away. Full story...

North Carolina police say a skull found a year ago by hunters in the woods is that of a disabled girl who was killed by her stepmother. Full story...

A bill to let a western North Carolina community continue use a live possum in its New Year's Eve celebration is going to Gov. Pat McCrory's desk. Full story...

Supporters of a bill to allow permits for underground natural gas exploration in North Carolina say the legislation would cause energy companies to consider drilling in the state. Full story...

A bill that would legalize medical marijuana possession and use in North Carolina has been rejected by a legislative committee. Full story...

Officials have promoted a deputy director to run North Carolina Emergency Management. Michael Sprayberry will take over his new job immediately. He was named to the post Wednesday by Department of Public Safety Secretary Kieran Shanahan. Full story...